Rugby game and method of play

ABSTRACT

The instant invention is new field game based on improvements to the rugby sevens and traditional rugby union laws (including nos. 3, 5, 6 and 10) whereby, among other things, a match is extended to about 45 to 60 minutes and is played in four quarters broken into about 10-15 minutes, played on the same size field as the traditional sevens rugby game. The new game combines the nonstop action of a rugby union and sevens rugby variation, with the feel of a traditional 15-a-side code match.

I. BACKGROUND

This is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 USC119(e) to provisional Application Ser. No. 62/072,147 filed on Oct. 29,2014, reference of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

A. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to the field game of rugby. Inparticular, the present invention is an improvement to rugby union rules(i.e., Laws), namely those Laws which apply to sevens a side, as imposedby rules of rugby sevens.

B. Description of the Related Art

Rugby football is a style of football that developed at Rugby School inRugby, Warwickshire and was one of many versions of football played atEnglish public schools during the 19th century. In its most common form,the game is between two teams of 15 players using an oval-shaped ball ona rectangular field, called the pitch, with a length typically doublethe width. The maximum playing area is about 158 yards by 77 yards on agrassy flat surface. Rugby is often played on soccer fields, which mustbe between 100 and 131 yards in length and 50 to 100 yards wide. Thefield, or pitch, includes end lines or goal lines at the leading edge ofan in-goal area which may be between 10 and 20 yards in depth. Goals,“H-shape” cross bars, are located on each goal line, and are typicallythe same size as American football goal posts.

A typical rugby union match of 15 players lasts for 80 minutes, brokendown into two halves of 40 minutes each. The game of rugby union howeverhas spawned several variants of this full-contact 15-a-side code. Thetwo common differences applied to variants lie in either fewer playersor reduced contact. The oldest variant is rugby sevens (also referred toas, sevens rugby, 7's, or VIIs), which originated in Melrose, Scotlandin 1883. Sevens is an abbreviated game of rugby union (i.e., rugby) thatconsists of a reduced amount of players, only 7, who play on afull-sized field, whereby there are two halves, each half being only 7minutes long. As a result, scoring occurs with much greater regularity,since the fewer players (i.e., defenders) are more spaced out than inrugby union.

The international governing body of rugby union (and associated gamessuch as sevens) is World Rugby (WR) headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.WR, founded in 1886, governs the sport of rugby union and sevensworldwide and publishes the game's rules (i.e., Laws) and associatedrankings The Laws are numbered from 1 to 22 and define the rugby uniongame, whereby seven-a-side variations namely regard modifications to Lawnos. 3.1, 3.4, 3.11, 3.13 (number of players); 5.1, 5.2, 5.6 (time);6.A.14, 6.B.8 (referee); 9.B.1, 9.B.3, 9.B.4 (method of scoring); 10.5(sanctions); 13.2, 13.3, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9 (kick-offs); 20, 20.1, 20.8(scrum); and 21.3, 21.4 (penalty kicks). As of February 2014, WR (thenknown as the IRB, for International Rugby Board) recorded 119 unions inits membership, 101 full members and 18 associate member countries.

Sevens rugby is popular at all levels, with amateur and club tournamentsgenerally held in the summer months. Sevens rugby is one of the mostwell distributed forms of rugby, and is popular in parts of Africa,Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and especially in the South Pacific.Notable international competitions include the HSBC Sevens World Seriesand the Rugby World Cup Sevens. Rugby sevens is also played at somemulti-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games, taking place fivetimes (1998: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2002: Manchester, England; 2006:Melbourne, Australia; 2010: Delhi, India; and 2014: Glasgow, Scotland),Until 2014 the gold medal had been won by New Zealand but in 2014 it waswon by South Africa.

Rugby sevens is now recognized as an Olympic sport and will make itsdebut in the 2016 Summer Olympics. This follows a vote by the executiveboard of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include the sport.That decision was backed at the 121st International Olympic CommitteeSession in Copenhagen on 9 Oct. 2009. Although rugby has a substantialfollowing in many countries throughout the world, it is not widelyfollowed in the United States. The inventors believe that an obstacle isdue to the current rules, time schedule and related scoring methods.Therefore, there is a need, particularly in the U.S., for a new,modified form of rugby which would focus on the American fan base thatcan be played in several venues, and support a beneficial time forbetter national television programming. The present invention fulfillsthese needs and provides other related advantages.

II. SUMMARY

The instant invention is for new game and method of play that is a takeon the rugby sevens Laws and traditional rugby union Laws (includingnos. 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10) whereby, among other things, a sevens match isnow extended from about 14 minutes to about 45 to 60 minutes and ratherbeing played in two halves of 7 minutes, is now played in four quartersthat can range from about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes each, andplayed on a field of about 100 by 70 yards. The improvement disclosedherein advances the game as it combines the nonstop action of a rugbyunion and sevens rugby variation, with the feel of a traditional15-a-side code match.

Essentially the method of play includes two teams, whereby a first teamof players has as an objective to move a ball in their possession intoand touching the field within the first in-goal area and/or drop-kickingthe ball through the first goal to score points. The ball is preferablya rugby football, that is, a ball having a general shape of a prolatespheroid. The first team taking possession of the ball advances the ballwithin the field of play towards the first in-goal area to score byrunning with the ball and lateraling or passing the ball backwards toteammates.

A second team of players has as an objective to prevent the first teamof players having possession of the ball from moving the ball into andtouching the field within the first in-goal area and/or drop-kicking theball through the first goal (i.e., above the crossbar) and scoring. Thesecond team prevents the first team from scoring by either tackling aplayer of the first team in possession of the ball and or attempting toobtain possession of the ball from the first team so as to advance theball towards the second in-goal area to score.

Due to the new method of the instant game, the result is a form of rugbythat improves the pace and strategy of the game, by allowing morescoring options and, for example by allowing improved time constraintsis more fan friendly, especially for a live viewing and or TV audience.The new, improved laws and or game is simple enough for the averagesports fan to understand, however it also provides many opportunity forcomplex and strategic coaching, not otherwise contemplated intraditional and or current rugby sevens laws.

Based on the improvements disclosed herein, the new game favorsestablishment of a professional league, which is especially well-suitedfor the United States market, including considerations for commercialadvertisements. For example, in a traditional rugby sevens series,matches are fourteen minutes and an organization would have to haveabout 16 traveling teams to play out a series, much like the HSBC WorldSeries. This model would not succeed well in a domestic professionalleague in the US, primarily due to the associated financial pitfalls offourteen minute programming.

The instant improvement additionally supports a gateway for a player andor coach to represent their team, like a National Team, and in aprofessional sports environment, which shall also favour and support theestablishment of a professional league, which based on improvementsherein makes the game favorably structured for players, coaches and theindustry (not to mention, it also builds and increase the general rugbyfan base). It is an object of the invention to allow a time frame thatprovides a complete sportscast in an allotted programming time frame.

The instant new game and method thereof disclosed includes:

new four quarters of play;

new rolling substitution rules;

a new and enhanced roster, that includes 21 players overall; and

a new and enhanced two referee system.

Such improvements are further discussed herein in the followingdescription and drawings.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing illustrates the invention. In such drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playing field arrangement, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, andexplained herein, the present invention resides in a field-sport game,and method of playing the game.

The instant game is played generally in accordance with the rules ofrugby sevens based on rugby union, with a variations and or improvementsthat create a new game and for example, pertain to, number of players(Law 3), time (Law 5), referees (Law 6), scoring (Law 9), fouls (Law 10)and offside (Law 11), and as further explained herein.

With reference to FIG. 1, a playing field 100 used in accordance withthe invention is illustrated. The playing field itself is typicallycomprised of natural and or artificial turf. In an embodiment,dimensions of field 100 is 100 yards by 70 yards, and includes anin-goal area and or try zone defined by (g,h). Additionally, a try zone140 of 10 square yards is introduces in the in-goal area.

The dimensions of the playing field 100 of the present invention enablethe game to be played in both indoor and outdoor arenas alike, whichenables the field-sport game of the present invention to be played in alarge number of arenas across the United States, even during inclementweather, and easy to provide television coverage of in said arenas. Asshown in FIG. 1, field 100 has a plurality of symmetric line markingsformed thereon such as goal line 110, touch line 180 (which defines outof bounds), the twenty two yard line 130 located at twenty two yardsfrom the goal line 110 whereby the distance is defined by b, the tenyard line 160 located at ten yards from the center line whereby thedistance is defined by a, and conversion box 150, of which said markingsare used for various purposes, including the placement of the ball inpenalty situations, to assess the progress of an offensive team inpossession of the ball, for kick-offs, and the like.

The goals 170 have an H-shape that consists of a cross bar extendingbetween two generally parallel and vertically extending posts. The goals170 may vary in dimensions, but may be about three meters at the lowermeasurement (d) and about 2 (d) meters above the crossbar and by aboutsix meters width (e).

Number of Players. Seven-a-side variation allows for up to fivereplacements and or substitutes, which allows a team to substitute orreplace up to five players. In the instant invention, a team maynominate 9 replacements and or substitutes, which allows 16 players perteam. Based on the new method, a team can now substitute or replace anynumber of players during a game. Substitutions of which may now takeplace, at any time. An embodiment of the new method limits onesubstitution per team per quarter as an option. At the end of eachquarter, however, unlimited substitutions are allowed, which allows fora completely new side to play the following quarter, or, it could be amix, an option not currently available. The new method should maintainplaying action in the latter stages of a game. Additionally, providingunlimited and or rolling substitutions also allows an opportunity forcoaching to greatly affect the game outcome, such as, when to bring inthe fast wing, when to have a more forward oriented team or bring in akey line out jumper, for example. In this respect, the differentcriteria to pick players and form a team are an exciting change.

Regarding the embodiment pertaining to laws for example, Law 3.4, may beunderstood as follows, whereby:

(a) a union may nominate up to nine replacements/substitutes. Thisallows a maximum of 16 players per team.

(b) a team can substitute or replace any number of players during agame. Substitutions may take place during any dead ball situation withthe permission of the referees or delegated official. Players leaving orentering the field of play must do so between the half way line and the10 m line on the same side of the field as the official assisting withtheir team's substitutions. Players entering the field of play may onlydo so after the replaced or substituted player has left the field ofplay and the players touch hands. Sanction: Penalty Kick where the gamewould have restarted.

(c) if uncontested scrums have been ordered and there is an injury to afront row player which requires that player to be replaced and there isa front row player available to replace that player then the front rowplayer replacement must be used rather than players other than front rowreplacements.

Time: Seven-a-side variation allows a match lasts no longer thanfourteen minutes, broken into seven minute half, plus lost time andextra time (after half-time the teams change ends). As explained, amatch subject to the instant invention is extended to about 45 to 60minutes and may be played in four, quarters of about 10 to about 15minutes each. Because of the increased time length of the new game, andthe associated fitness and endurance level required, a larger rosterwith rolling substitutions as provide for above regarding Law 3 isnecessary. In an embodiment, there is a rest time interval of not morethan two to about six minutes. For example, there is an interval of notmore than about three minutes between the first and second and secondand third. Halftime, between the second and third quarters, will beabout 6 minutes long. And, after each quarter the teams change ends.

Referees, Officials. Under the new rules, in all cases where law 6 makesreference to “referee” in the singular, the instant invention variationallow either or both appointed referees to perform the duties and act inthe same manner as the Law specifies. Furthermore, regarding Law 6.A.4,there will now be two referees during a match, whereby one will serve asthe head to decide finality on any dispute. Each referee is in charge ofone half of the field. The communication as to when a referee is takingover the game is communicated between the head referee and referee.

Furthermore, there are additional substitution rule in this regard,whereby, if the opposition scores a try during the time that a player istemporarily suspended, then the team may bring on any substitute playerwho is not serving a suspension or sent off, thus returning the team tofull strength. If more than one player is temporarily suspended, thenthe first try scored allows a substitute for the player that was firstsuspended and a second try scored allows a substitute for the playerthat was suspended second, and so on. And, if a team has one or moreplayers sent off, then for each player sent off, after two tries havebeen scored by their opponents, the team may bring on a substituteplayer who is not serving a suspension and has not been sent off. Underthe new rules herein, regarding law 10.5, when a player has beentemporarily suspended, the player's period of suspension shall be threeminutes.

In practice, the game of the present invention is started with akick-off to the opponent from about mid-field. Any player of either teammay gain possession of the ball, in accordance with the rules of rugby.When running with the ball, players may continue to run until they aretackled, or run beyond the goal line, and touch the ball on the fieldturf 100 in the in-goal area as defined by the in-goal area, defined bydimensions (g,h) at both field ends i.e., the area behind the goal line110 that does not exceed the in-goal touch line 190, which results in ascore or a try. A conversion attempt may be made by retreating from thein-goal area (g,h) a predetermined distance directly behind the area inwhich the score or try was made, and then drop-kicking the ball throughthe goal 117 for additional points. Typically, as in rugby, thesuccessful after-try kick is worth two points.

Addition scoring is provided for in the instant invention wherebydifferent points are awarded based upon for where a try is scored. Inthis regard, the inventors have added an additional try box defined by140 that creates a six point score, opposed to the usual 5 pints awardedwhen a ball is grounded in the in-goal area (i.e., on the goal line 110or beyond, within (g,h) but not on any other lines), with two-pointsawarded if scored from the conversion area 150, providing for anincreased total point potential of eight points. This improvementprovides extra incentive to score in the middle and likewise have thedefense prevent a middle score, adding to complexity, strategy andentertainment factors of the game.

Different point for where a conversion may be attempted: The inventorshave also provide for an increased conversion point attempt (from two tonow three) when the try is scored between the fifteen yard line and thetouch line, in the general area defined by (c) (d) to be definedsimilarly at the corners of the field.

While the team has possession of the ball and is advancing towards theiropposing in-goal area (g) (h), the ball may be passed to any otherplayer, however, it may only be passed laterally or backward, neverforward. Moreover, any player may kick the ball forward at any time.Once the ball is kicked, players of either team, regardless of whetheror not the ball hits the ground, may gain possession. Often times, theball is kicked in an effort to advance it or obtain relief from poorfield position. There is no blocking in rugby, and any player may carry,pass or kick the ball. The ball carrier must release the ball whentackled and roll out of the way so that other players on their feet canplay the ball.

After the referee has whistled a violation, a bound group of playersfrom each team form a tunnel with the opposition. The non-offending teamputs the ball into the tunnel by rolling it into the middle and eachteam pushes forward until one player is able to hook the ball with thefeet and push it to the back row of players on his or her team. This iswhat is referred to as a scrum, which consists of three players perteam.

After a serious infringement of the law, or rules, offenders arerequired to retreat ten yards while the opposing team is given theopportunity to restart play unopposed. Players may kick the ball upfield to gain field advantage. If in range, the non-offending team mayattempt to kick at the goal post, worth three points. Other less seriousinfringements of the law result in free kicks, sending a player topenalty for a specified period of time, banning the player from thegame.

There is an off-side law in rugby, and in general play the ball createsthe off-side line and players are not permitted to participate in playif they are on the opposing team's side of the ball. One cannotparticipate in the game from an off-side position. At a scrum, theoff-side lines are drawn across the field through the feet of the lastperson in each team's scrum.

The new offside rule subject to the instant invention (11.10) allows foroff-sides during substitution or replacement, for example, a playerleaving or entering the field of play at a substitution or replacementduring general play is allowed to temporarily be in an offside positionwhile completing the substitution or replacement, provided that playerdoes not loiter and takes no part in the game. Otherwise, the followingsanction is imposed: Penalty kick at the offside line or where the playwas when the infraction occurred. This is the choice of the team takingthe penalty. And, a yellow card will be given to the offending player.

Players carrying the ball may be stopped by being tackled by theopposing team. Usually, players may only be tackled around the waist andlegs for safety purposes. The player must release the ball and roll awayfrom it to allow other players on their feet to play the ball.Supporting players from both teams converge over the ball on the ground,binding with each other in attempting to push the opposing playersbackwards in a manner similar to a scrum. This situation is known as anick. The ball may not be picked up by any player until the ball emergesout of the nick. A maul is formed with a similar gathering of players,except the player in possession of the ball is not brought to the groundor tackled, but held up by an opponent as players converge on him. Anick or maul situation creates off-side line laws.

As noted, there are four ways for a team to score points. Five or sixpoints are awarded to a team for touching the ball down in the otherteam's in-goal area. This is called a Try. Following a Try, two or threepoints are awarded for a successful kick through the goal posts.Following a major law violation, the kicking team, if in range, has theoption to “kick to points”. Three points are awarded for a successfulpenalty kick. The kick must be from the point of the foul or anywhere ona line straight behind that point. The ball can be played if the kickfails. Three points are also awarded for a successful drop-kick, whichcan be taken from anywhere on the field at any time during the play.Once again, the ball is live if the kick fails.

Typically, the game is started with a coin toss, to determine which teamwill kick the ball off. The team then lines up on a predetermined linemarker, for example at the ten yard line 160, and kicks the ball offtowards the opposing team. Usually, the ball must at least travel apredetermined distance, unless first played by an opponent. Otherwise,it is kicked off again, or a scrum formed at the center at theopponent's option. If the ball is kicked directly into the in-goal areaor touch, the opposing team may accept the kick, have the ball kickedoff again, or have a scrum formed at the center line.

The opposing team plays defense, in accordance with the rules of rugbyseven to prevent the first team of players having possession of the ballfrom moving the ball into and touching the in-goal area (g) (h) and/ordrop-kicking the ball through the goal 170. Change of possession occursgenerally in accordance with the rules of rugby seven.

With the improved gave disclosed herein, the impact to the game may befledged during an entire 60 minutes of play, leading to more fansreaction and ultimately the increased in popularity and passion for thegame in the United States. As provided herein, the new game may takeplace in a usual time slot currently available from television networksthat factor in for advertisement space and a four quarter match of about10-15 minutes each. A typical TV spot, that benefits from the improvedinvention includes the following time considerations,

0:00 Kickoff 0:12 End of first quarter Pause (:03) 0:15 Begin of secondquarter 0:27 End of second quarter Pause (:06) 0:33 Begin of thirdquarter 0:45 End of third quarter Pause (:03) 0:48 Begin of fourthquarter 0:60 End of game

In view of the scheduling embodiment, based on 12 minute quarters, errorfor example may be adjusted during each pause so that the time slot isperfected in a 60 minute slot. Based on the game provided herein, theinventors have determined that an ideal size venue for play would be asmaller MLS or University stadium as the size of the pitch is favorableas well as the number of seats of about between 8,000 and 25,000.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A method of playing a game,comprising the steps of: providing a playing field of approximately 100yards in length and at least about 70 yards in width defined by a goalline and a touch line; providing a first and second goal at opposingends of the field that is parallel with and in the same plane as aboutthe center of the goal line and having generally parallel vertical barsand a cross bar extending therebetween; providing a first team of sevenplayers; providing a second team of seven players; the first team takingpossession of the ball and advancing the ball within the field of playtowards the goal area to score by running with the ball and lateralingor passing the ball backwards to teammates so as to touch the ball tothe ground on or over the goal line and/or drop-kicking the ball throughthe goal and attending to conversion points; and the second teampreventing the first team from scoring by tackling a player of the firstteam in possession of the ball and/or attempting to obtain possession ofthe ball from the first team so as to advance the ball towards thesecond in-goal area and/or drop-kicking the ball through the second goaland attending to conversion points.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereby thewhereby, the timing of a game lasts from about 45 minutes to about 60minutes, broken down into four quarters of at least about 10 to 15minutes each.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereby after each quarter teamschange sides.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereby after there is a resttime interval of not more than about three minutes to six minutesbetween quarters.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereby the rest timeinterval between the first two and last two quarters is about 3 minuteslong.
 6. The method of claim 1 whereby, a team may comprise no more than16 players that includes nine substitutes and or replacements.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 whereby, a team can substitute or replace any numberof players during a game, at any time.
 8. The method of claim 6 whereby,at the end of a quarter, unlimited substitutions are allowed.
 9. Themethod of claim 6 whereby, when a front row player is substituted in ascrum, the player shall be replaced by a front row designatedsubstitute.
 10. The method of claim 1 whereby, an additional try box isdefined within the in goal area that provides for six points.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 whereby, an alternate conversion may be attempted inthe area about between the fifteen yard line and the touch line which ifmade provides for a three point aware.